Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Ending FGM: Protection, Healing, and Empowerment

At the Somali Youth Union in the Netherlands (SYUN), we are unwavering in our commitment to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). We recognize FGM as a severe human rights violation with devastating and lifelong physical and psychological consequences for women and girls. Our comprehensive program is built on three core pillars: prevention, protection, and survivor support, to eradicate this practice and foster a safer community.

Awareness and Community Education
We lead culturally-sensitive awareness campaigns and educational workshops within the Somali community. These sessions provide crucial information about the severe health risks of FGM, clarify its legal status as a criminal offense in the Netherlands, and empower families with the knowledge to protect their daughters, reframing the conversation around health and rights instead of tradition.

Confidential Support for Survivors
SYUN provides a safe, confidential, and compassionate network for women and girls affected by FGM. We offer access to culturally-aware counseling, connections to specialized medical care for treatment and support, and guidance on legal rights and resources. Your well-being and healing are our priority.

Community-Led Dialogue for Change
Sustainable change comes from within. We work closely with community elders, religious leaders, and families to address the deep-rooted beliefs behind FGM. Through open dialogue, we promote alternative rites of passage that celebrate a girl’s transition into womanhood without harm, respecting our culture while upholding the rights and health of our daughters.

Capacity Building for Frontline Professionals
To ensure a robust safety net, we provide specialized training for healthcare providers, teachers, and social workers. This training equips them to identify girls at risk, recognize the signs of FGM, and offer trauma-informed support to survivors, ensuring our community can access sensitive and effective help.

Advocacy for a Protective Environment
SYUN actively advocates at local and national levels for policies and laws that strengthen the protection of girls and women. We work to ensure that the fight against FGM remains a priority and that legislation is effectively enforced to create a future where no girl is at risk.

Survivor-Led Support Networks
We facilitate safe, confidential support groups where survivors can share their experiences, heal together, and build resilience in a sisterhood of solidarity. These networks are vital for emotional recovery and collective empowerment.

Your Safety is Our Priority. Break the Silence.
If you are seeking information, are worried about a girl at risk, or are a survivor in need of support, SYUN is here for you. All communication is strictly confidential.

Contact us today. Together, we can protect our girls and build a future free from FGM.